Dunn, NC
Population 8,512 · North Carolina
About Dunn, NC
Dunn is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 8,512 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,310 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dunn features a median home value of $178,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dunn in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $780, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,161 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (2,022 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,642 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dunn shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dunn have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Dunn residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dunn, NC
Compared to national averages, Dunn has a median household income of $47,310 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $178,900, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $780 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Dunn's income is 27% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 22% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Dunn, NC?
Dunn offers affordable housing with a median home value of $178,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $780/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,310) that falls below the national average. However, Dunn’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dunn has a population of 8,512 with a median age of 44.4 years. Compare Dunn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Dunn
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conover | 8,491 | $57,375 | $238,300 | Compare |
| Black Mountain | 8,462 | $70,041 | $351,700 | Compare |
| Ogden | 8,363 | $111,461 | $431,000 | Compare |
| Clinton | 8,336 | $42,344 | $185,600 | Compare |
| Roxboro | 8,144 | $39,283 | $138,700 | Compare |
| Oak Island | 8,888 | $83,483 | $407,400 | Compare |
| Oxford | 8,897 | $48,135 | $177,200 | Compare |
| Wesley Chapel | 8,923 | $129,962 | $493,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Dunn With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunn
What is the population of Dunn, NC?
The population of Dunn, NC is 8,512 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Dunn?
The median household income in Dunn, NC is $47,310 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dunn?
The median home value in Dunn, NC is $178,900, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dunn?
The median monthly rent in Dunn, NC is $780, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dunn?
The unemployment rate in Dunn, NC is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dunn, NC a good place to live?
Dunn offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,512 and a median age of 44.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dunn, NC?
21.4% of residents in Dunn aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Dunn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dunn, NC: median home value is $178,900 (27% below national), median rent is $780/month, and median household income is $47,310. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dunn?
The poverty rate in Dunn, NC is 18.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Dunn, NC?
Dunn's population is 5.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 34.6% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.